Zones of calm thoughts in primary schools
Comfortable sofas, pouffes, tables, plants, games machines and even … a mirror. This is how pupils would see relaxation zones designed for them in their schools. They will be created in every primary school in Hajnówka.
Zones of calm thoughts is another project under the project “Hajnówka ReNewal – Green Transformation”. We would like such places to start functioning from the autumn. At the moment we are gathering ideas and talking to interested ones. Last Friday we met with representatives of the student council in Primary School No. 2 and 4 in Hajnówka.
The project includes a number of experimental activities, e.g. in urban space, which are to stimulate positive development processes. Many of these activities concern young people, hence our visits to schools. We'd love to hear what your thoughts are on calm zones of thought. Of course, it won't always be possible for these zones to be quiet. However, we hope that we will be able to create pleasantly decorated places where you can spend time together.
Consultation meetings in schools were conducted by Agnieszka Maszkowska, head of the SocLab Laboratory of Research and Social Activities Foundation.
It is important to us that what we do is a response to the needs and is created in consultation with the people who will use these places.
She also added that while running various types of projects in schools, she noticed that relaxation zones are a need often reported by students. Importantly, more and more schools are meeting them. There is no doubt that there is a lack of a place to relax for pupils of Primary School No. 2.
When the students heard that we had a chance to have such a place, they were very interested. They were very happy because they needed such place.
We are waiting for their proposals. Based on the results so far, a site has already been selected – it will be one of the corridors.
A relaxation area in the corridor will also be created at Primary School No. 4. The pupils would see tables, chairs, comfortable sofas and hanging seats there. Plants such as ivy wrapped around the pillars, a games shelf, wooden elements and walls in soothing colours are the most frequently repeated ideas. Pupils would also benefit from a mirror and wallpaper on the ceiling with a sky motif.
Zones of calm thoughts will be created in all Hajnówka primary schools. In Primary School No. 1, there is a chance that the zone will be really quiet, as the head office manages to create a separate, lockable room. In Primary School No. 3, on the other hand, there is not enough space inside the building, so pupils can count on an attractively landscaped gazebo to appear in the courtyard.